[Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders in Critically Ill Patients]

The stresses that often occur in the intensive care units (ICUs) affect critically ill patients physically and psychologically. The common psychological disorders associated with these stresses are anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs), which may last for several weeks, months, or even years. The anxiety levels of critically ill patients have been found to be significantly related to the use of inotropes or vasopressors, while depression has been associated with gender, days of hospitalization, use of mechanical ventilation and sedation, as well as preexisting depression. The evidence also proved that age, gender, and severity of illness are related to the development of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs). To help patients' anxiety and depression, the healthcare providers should provide a safe and comfortable environment and possess reliable professional abilities for patients. More importantly, the continuity of nursing care is related to the promotion of patients' feelings of safety and the adaptation enhancement. Encouraging the presence of significant others, increasing comfort levels, and using ICU diaries in filling memory gaps, are all proved to be beneficial for the symptom relief of patients suffering PTSD. Another issue that healthcare providers should focus on is reducing the psychological distress perceived by caregivers. Providing adequate information in satisfying caregivers' need for information, enhancing their sense of control, and helping them use active coping strategies, may alleviate caregiver-perceived stresses and burdens.